Popular services
To make a new enquiry to receive any of our First Step supports, please call us on 02 6621 7397, email hub@nrcg.org.au or visit any of our First Step locations listed here.
First Step emergency relief
First Step emergency relief provides immediate support to people throughout the Northern Rivers region who are experiencing financial crisis.
Our wrap-around service provides intake and assessment of your short and long term needs, immediate access to integrated facilities, material and financial aid, and referrals to support services that help you stay out of crisis.
First Step emergency relief is available at Byron Bay, Casino, Kyogle, Lismore and Murwillumbah. We also provide intake and assessment appointments via telephone and Zoom.
All our First Step emergency relief supports are free and subject to availability. Conditions apply to some supports.
First Step emergency relief supports
- Food boxes from our free community food pantry. Eligibility criteria apply.
- Supermarket vouchers for people with special dietary requirements or medical conditions with a GP referral. Appointments essential.
- Shower and bathroom facilities for people who are
homeless. - Energy accounts payment assistance (EAPA) electricity vouchers for people on a low income who face financial hardship. Appointments essential.
- Laundry facilities including a washing machine, dryer and laundry powder for people who are homeless.
- Backpack beds available to collect for people who are homeless.
- Chemist vouchers for people on a low income who face financial hardship. Appointments essential.
- Fuel vouchers for people with a GP referral, who need to travel a significant distance to see a medical specialist. Supporting documents and appointments essential.
- Surplus fresh bread donated by local businesses.
Locations
Byron Bay
Casino
By appointment only. Services available:
- Food boxes
- Supermarket vouchers
- EAPA electricity vouchers
- Chemist vouchers
- Fuel vouchers
Visit First Step emergency relief Casino
Kyogle
By appointment only. Services available:
- Food boxes
- EAPA electricity vouchers
- Chemist vouchers
- Fuel vouchers
Visit First Step emergency relief Kyogle
Lismore
Services available:
- Food boxes
- Supermarket vouchers
- Showers
- EAPA electricity vouchers
- Laundry facilities
- Backpack beds
- Chemist vouchers
- Fuel vouchers
- Surplus fresh bread
Murwillumbah
One of our community partners. Services available:
- Food boxes
- EAPA electricity vouchers
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Accreditation
Community Gateway is a registered charity and QIP accredited, assessed against the Quality Improvement Council Health and Community Services 7th Edition Standards.
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and meet, and offer our respect to their elders, past, present and future.
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